A DERELICT Dudley town centre landmark is set for a new lease of life as a block of luxury apartments.

Council planners have given the go-ahead for the former Post Office building on Wolverhampton Street to be converted into 21 residential units.

The building dates back to 1909 and is grade II listed but has been empty for a number of years and become a magnet for crime and anti-social behaviour.

Members of Dudley’s development control committee heard plans for the building, which had most recently been used as a night club, included an extension to the rear of the building and the insertion of a mezzanine floor above the third storey to make use of the floor space.

Committee vice-chairman, Cllr Keiran Casey, said: “I am glad to see this application, it is a beautiful building and many people will be pleased to see it being brought back.”

Another town centre building set for a makeover is the former Albion Pub on Stone Street.

A total of £163,000 is being spent on conservation work which will include roof repair, re-rendering, new guttering and restoration of historic windows.

The project is being paid for by a grant from the Townscape Heritage Initiative which is supported with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Dudley Council, English Heritage and the Housing and Communities Agency.

The building is currently home a hair salon and cafe and both businesses will remain open as usual during the work.

Speaking about the Albion project, Cllr Judy Foster, Dudley cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Dudley is blessed with a number of historic buildings and this is latest in a number of restoration works that we are undertaking in order to preserve and enhance the town centre.”